Manhattanhenge (& Friday Links)

Next week is Manhattanhenge–an astronomical phenomenon and non-official holiday occurring twice a year when the sun sets in perfect alignment with the Manhattan street grid (first described in 2002 by “sexiest astrophysicist alive,” Neil deGrasse Tyson). Buildings along the East-West streets glow and crowds gather in the final moments of daylight—darting back and forth between light cycles, dodging traffic, and eventually gaining critical mass such as to keep traffic at bay.

This year you can catch it on May 29 at 8:13 p.m., when half of the sun will line up with the grid, and on May 30 at 8:12 p.m., when the full sun will line up. In July, the full sun aligns on the 12th and the half on the 13th. The first occurrence always seems to herald summer.

It’s going to feel like summer here this weekend—but even more so where I’ll be: I’m heading to Palm Springs with a group of friends! We’re reuniting with one of our dearest who moved away last year. I can’t wait!

Hope you have something fun planned as well! Here are some links of note if you’re in the mood…

Related: do you read ProPublica? They’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest and if you are looking for reliable news, I would trust them to deliver it. But their recent Facebook post made me laugh!

Finally, we’re finally opening up reservations again for the cabin in Tahoe! What a crazy winter. I’m hoping to share more soon, but in the meantime it’s available over Memorial Day weekend and more dates starting in June. Here’s the listing on AirBnB. More photos on IG at #twopinesTahoe

[Photos are Aron and mine from 2011. You can see more #Manhattanhenge on Instagram]